Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-08-31

midway, stood a window, which from
its dusty panes commanded view of the
steep rocky bank far down below, over
which the white-foamed water dashed
furiously.
Both stopped involuntariIy to admire
the fine panorama which mature hae
spread out before them. 2a.
"Suppose, ," whispered Laurel archly, 81
was to fall from the window to the rocks
down below: Would you stretch ou
your arms"
"You we'll know my life would be
nothing without you. would certainly
stretch out my arms" he answered
promptly, suiting the action to the word
and clasping his pretty companion as il
to prevent such possibilitys
sparkling laugh, that sounded strangely
through the silent, deserted mill, and
brought the bitterness of hope crushed out
to a lonely man sitting with his head bent
on his clasped hand below.
At that instant Laurel laughingly freed
herself from her compani0h's embrace
She had brought the message too late.
81 50 the Il lovers sl i retrassd M ssN stsps s feis.
urely, not noticing that the golden sun.
set had deepened into the dull, misty
shadows of twilight. 1t was so sweet to
be assured over and over again how much
she was to him.
II would give my very life to serve you,
and deem it we'll SPENT" he said tenderly
and Laurel, looking up into his handsome
face, believed his love and watchful care
the greatest happiness of her young life,
so soon to enter his keeping for ever.
Lii, lie Gld either dream, in retracing
their steps of the terrible moment fast ap-
preaching, which should prove that de-
votion.
The pair had descended but few steps
through the deepening shadows when a
sound that froze the very blood in their
veins fell upon their ears-a low dull,
rumbling sound, followed by grating
noise.
Then the great, ponderous wheels, be-
tween which they must pass in the uncer-
tain light, began slowly to revolve, gain
ing in velocity with every revolution.
SMy God!'' The words-a prayer, not
scarcely audible, burst from the pale lips
of Laurel Mayne.
Then suddenly she remembered, owing
to the press of orders, the night-work had
been resumed.
The great wheels deadened every sound.
Arthur Lennox took in the situation
with paling brow. Great beads of perspi-
ration stood on his forehead. He dared
neither advance nor retreat. A step in
in any direction might prove fatal. He
shrieked aloud in horror for help.
"Arthur, Arthur" moaned Laurel, pite-
ously, but he neither saw nor heard her.
Another startling discovery had burst
upon him. The great belt which held the
wheels above their heads was slowly
giving way.
At any moment the instrument of death
might come whirling, crushing down upon
them. It could stand the strain but few
moments more.
Lennox saw the white Mortified gaze of q
man looking up at them, one who had
taken in the full horror of the situation at
single glance. 49,, -,
In a hoarse voice he shouted up above
the din:
"It is madness to attempt to stop the
wheel! The belt is giving way! Hold
Laurel firm, and drop her over the ledge
to me. Quick! In Heavens name, man ~
But all thoughts, save of self-preserva-
tion, had fled from the loverofa short time
ago. He needed not Clarke Hawthorne's g
shouts, nor the means of the terror-strick-
en- girl.
Ou6 ClldIlCG vi GSCdpc UClOlC llllA1s
Quick as thought he dashed open the
window, balanced himself moment on
the sill, and leaped far out into the waters
below, leaving Laurel to the will of God.
Clarke Hawthorne had witnessed all.
What was life to him, and the woman
he loved in deadly peril?
Past the Kissing wheels he rushed like
lightning, beneath the ponderous belt that
swung to and fro, its massive weight in
mid air above him. On, on he sped. AT
last he grasped her swinging form.
"My darling, save me-" moaned the
white lips, as she sank into his arms,
while he leaped from crevice to crevice in
the perlous descent, her words giving him
new courage and strength.
Step by step ne sped breathlessly.
Another step and they had gained the
arch beyond. And not a moment too
soon.
With buzzing sound the great belt
parted, and the ponderous wheel, with
the rapidity of lightning, crashed down
upon the spot Laurel had left moment
before.
Papers teemed the next day with news
of the "Mill Accident" Only three per-
sons knew how near it had been to being
chronicled "a Tragedy"
A change had come over Laurel Mayne
after that night.
In that one awful moment she had learn
ed to value the true love of man who
had risked his life to save hers.
Clarke Hawthorne is her husband now,
and as she smilingly says-a true hero.
AS for Arthur Lenox, he escaped-more
is the pity-quite uninjured, only too glad
to hide himself from the girl to whom
he had proven an ignoble coward.
He could not bear to see his rival wear
the jewel he knew he might have won.
Clarke Hawthorne is now a partner in
the same mill; yet he never ceases to
thank the fate that gave him bride,
though to gain her he passed through the
ordeal of that terrible moment.
QUARRELING.-We find the following
excellent sentiments going the rounds OF
the press. They are SO very correct that
every person, whether they follow the pre-
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